CADIZ, Ohio — More than 100 guests celebrated 64 years of conservation with the Harrison Soil and Water Conservation District Oct. 29 at the Scio Fire Hall in Scio, Ohio.
Supervisor elections were held prior to the official meeting. One supervisor was elected to serve a three-year term. Damian Chrisman will serve from Jan. 1, 2010 to Dec. 31, 2012.
After a dinner prepared by the Scio Volunteer Fire Department, supervisors recognized the Conservation Farm of the Year. This award is granted to an individual or family that displays an outstanding example of protecting and conserving our natural resources.
The program recognizes cooperators who have developed a conservation plan, implemented conservation practices and demonstrated conservation to others.
C.H. Birney Farms Inc
C.H. Birney Farms Inc., owned and operated by John and Bill Birney, was presented the award for their continued conservation efforts. The Birneys have opened up their farm for agricultural tours, hosted students and were showcased on Agri-Country.
C.H. Birney Farms Inc. believes that, “the land and its resources are gifts that have been left to us to maintain for future generations. It is our job to see that we improve and maintain the land and its resources while we are the stewards of it.”
John and Bill Birney are working with their sons to see that conservation is a continued priority in their farming operation for years to come.
Hall of Fame
Paul and Walter Mader, owners of Mader Brothers Farms, and Nick Miric were inducted into the Conservation Hall of Fame for their lifetime of conservation achievements.
The Conservation Hall of Fame Award recognizes individuals, families or businesses that have done an outstanding job over the years working toward the conservation of our natural resources.
Essay contest
Caden Arbaugh, a fourth grader at Jewett Elementary School, recited the winning essay he entered into the Fourth Grade Environmental Field Day Essay Contest. The essay was based on what he learned about soils, water, plants, animals and recycling at this year’s Environmental Field Day held at Zitko Farms in September.
More than 125 students competed for the award that Arbaugh received.
Don Zitko Educator Award
The principal of Harrison Central High School, Brent Ripley, was honored with the Don Zitko Educator Award. This award recognizes individuals, organizations or businesses that go beyond the call of duty to educate youth and/or adults.
Ripley has shown support by allowing the Harrison Central FFA students to attend Soil and Water Conservation District events as group leaders, participants, and competitors. He has also welcomed Soil and Water Conservation District into the classrooms of Harrison Central High School.
Bob and Dorothy Glover of Jewett, Ohio, were recognized for nominating the biggest white oak tree in Harrison County, winning the Big Tree Contest. The white oak, located on Braddock Road in Hopedale, earned a total score of 316.125.
A complete list of entries and scores is available at www.hswcd.org.
More than 30 items were donated by individuals, businesses and organizations for the silent auction held during the meeting.
Proceeds, totaling $510, will go toward the district’s 2010 education programs.
More information
For more information or to donate to the conservation education fund, contact Harrison Soil and Water Conservation District at 740-942-8837.
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